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The Valley Press

Obituary Notices and Memorials

CHAISSON, Donald James
CHAISSON, Donald James Aug. 16, 1930 - Feb. 28, 2014 Don was born in San Pedro, Calif. to John and Frances Chaisson, he was an only child. During his childhood, he lived in San Pedro on Terminal Island and in the Wilmington, Calif. area. As a young boy he was active in sports and throughout high school, graduating from Banning High School in 1946. He served four years in the United States Air Force, as a Staff Sergeant, during the Korean War. While he was still in the service, he met his future bride and the love of his life, Margaret in the Bay Area of Northern California. Don and Margaret were married on June 18, 1954. He and his new bride soon moved back to Wilmington. Don became a Fireman for the City of Compton, and attended the L.A. County Fire Department Academy and became a Los Angeles County Fireman, where he served for 18 years. After retiring, he continued to work through the Fire Department on movie sets throughout Southern California. Don was active in his community. Over the years he was a member of the Lancaster Elk's Lodge, a Quartz Hill Little League Coach & Manager and served on the board of the Palm Ranch Water District. He also was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association, Amateur Trap Shooting Association and California Golden State Trap Shooting Association. From the time he was a boy Don loved the outdoors. He went on many camping and hunting trips with his parents. He continued those traditions with his own family, teaching his children as well as his grandchildren, the joys of the great outdoors. Not only was Don an expert marksman when it came to hunting, he was also an award winning shot when it came to trap shooting. He had many belt buckles and titles to show for his outstanding achievements in the trapshooting world. Don, will be met in heaven by his parents, and his loving wife of 57 years Margaret. Left to cherish his memory are his three children, Susan (David), Pamela and Louie (Sherry); grandchildren; James (Michelle), Lynnae (Mark), Kristoffer, Michael, Emma, Donald and Travis; great-grandchildren; Katie, Joshua, Andrew, Erin, Ashley, Hunter, Alicia, Justin, Avery and Chase, and his faithful companions, Shasta, Hollie, Penney and Shadow. Services will be held Saturday, March 15, 2014; at 10 am, a Flag Raising Ceremony at Los Angeles County Fire Station #37, 38318-9th Street East, Palmdale, followed by a Memorial Service at 11:30 am, at Grace Chapel, 44648-15th Street West, Lancaster. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ducks Unlimited CA, Chapter #102, 5215 West Ave. M-4, Quartz Hill, CA 93536.